Early Years: Education and Childcare T Level

This qualification is for learners who are interested in working in the childcare industry, including in careers like Teaching, Early Years Educators and teaching assistant pathways. If progressing from a Level 2 qualification, you will need GCSE English and Maths at grade 5 with a Distinction/ B in a Level 2 Early Years qualification. Previous experience of work experience in a nursery/primary setting is an advantage, as is working with guides/beavers/scouts.

During the two-year course you will undertake industry placements where you will focus on key elements of effective practice, and work alongside key people to develop skills and competencies of supporting a group of children. This will be at least 715 hours over the two year period. You will be expected to build a small portfolio of your skills and knowledge in preparation for external assessments. 

5 GCSEs at Grade 5 or above, including English Language and Maths.

We will invite you to a course information meeting event where you will receive information, advice, and guidance about the course you have applied for. This will be an opportunity for you to gain valuable information about the course and give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have. 

You will also be informed about the requirements of the Industry placements, the model of this being delivered (dependant on T-Level Pathway) and the commitment this will require as a T-Level cannot be fully achieved if the placement hours are not fulfilled. 

You will need to provide a copy of your last school report and/or a reference from an employer or relevant professional; this will include attendance. This is to ensure we can support you to be able to achieve well on the course.

Applicants with 85% or below attendance will have been deemed not to have met this criterion. All applicants are given an opportunity to discuss any evidence-based mitigating circumstances that may have affected the reference/school report. We are firmly committed to finding the right course for you to ensure you can flourish.

Talk to us today if you have any concerns about the application process; we are here to help take you to the next level. 

The T Level is delivered through classroom-based and practical learning, at college and on industry placement.

The Technical Qualification is the main classroom-based element of the course, and consists of the core component and occupational specialism component.

Core modules include:

• child development from 0-19
• behaviour, observation and assessment
• equality and diversity
• health and safety
• working with parents/carers and families
• safeguarding
• supporting education provisions from early years, primary and secondary
• special educational needs and disability (SEND)
• English as an additional language
• reflective practice

The two options for the occupation specialism are Early Years Educator and Assisting Teaching. Early Years Educator covers play, building relationships with children, safeguarding and keeping children safe, planning and preparing for all children and finally partnership working with a variety of professionals. 

Assisting Teaching covers supporting the teacher to enhance education, plan educational opportunities, safeguarding in the school environment, working with children with additional needs and disabilities to support access to the primary curriculum

A significant component of the occupational specialism is the industrial placement, which will last for a minimum of 715 hours during the 2-year period.

Successful completion of this qualification is recognised within the Early Years industry, which means you will be able to be counted in EYFS staff child ratios, have a key group of children and hold a supervisory role. You will also be able to progress onto an Early Years/Education/Primary Teaching access to higher education course or a foundation degree.

As a City of Bristol College student, you may incur additional costs to attend your course. For example, it is likely you may need to pay for travel and stationery. 

Many courses offer learning opportunities that you may need to pay for. This may include things like study visits and visiting speakers. We will let you know in advance if there will be additional costs.

If you are on a limited income, you may be able to receive help from our Learner Support Funding Bursary.